Classifications of atmospheric circulation patterns: recent advances and applications

Area of Science:

• Synoptic Climatology
• Atmospheric Science
• Meteorology

Background:

• Circulation pattern classification is crucial for understanding climate variability.
• Historical development spans subjective to objective methodologies.
• Diverse approaches exist, necessitating systematization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in circulation pattern classification.
• To systematize methodologies and applications.
• To provide context within broader climatology.

Main Methods:

• Categorization into subjective, mixed, and objective methods.
• Clarification of statistical techniques like cluster and principal component analysis.
• Identification of recent developments including nonlinear methods and optimization.

Main Results:

• Three main classification groups: subjective, mixed, and objective.
• Recent advances include nonlinear methods, optimization, and intercomparisons.
• Applications are expanding in climate studies, ensemble forecasting, and beyond the troposphere.

Conclusions:

• Progress is being made towards unified classification methods.
• Applications in historical, present, and future climate analyses are increasing.
• International collaborations like COST733 foster progress and evaluation.